‘God comforts me’

According to Lloyd, this album – which is still to be named – will carry eight tracks, and will feature some prominent South African gospel artistes.
In an interview,  Lloyd Tevedzai (LT) shares details about his upcoming album as well as information on his music and personal life.

 

EM: Tell us briefly about your personal background?
LT: I am a simple man aged 26, born in Chiredzi and a full-time musician. Apart from performing my music in Zimbabwe I have toured countries like South Africa and the United Kingdom. I will soon be back in South Africa and the United Kingdom for more shows. I’m a lead vocalist at Zimpraise Choir and I’m married to Ruthie Chari. Soon I will be tying the knot.

EM: Since you started music, you have performed in Zimbabwe and abroad. What have you learned about gospel music as an up-coming artiste?
LT: I have learned to move on my own pace and not be worried about competition. I have learned to bear in mind that I am a minister of the word through music hence my life has to preach what I sing. I also learned humility and to allow God to take me places.

EM: How far have you gone with your up-coming album? Have you come up with a title as yet?
LT: No name at the moment my brother but I think by end of June I will have come up with a title for the album.

EM: How many tracks have you come up with as we speak?
LT: Right now I have done three tracks which are still in the polishing stage. I think the album will be complete between July and August this year. I want to do eight tracks if all goes well. I’m trying to balance preparing for my wedding and working on the album but I know by God’s grace I will manage.

EM: Any highlights from you forthcoming album that you want your fans to know?
LT: The album will be balanced, and will carry deep worship and fast danceable songs. I am also looking forward to do collaboration with two gospel artistes from South Africa but am still waiting to receive their responses.

EM: Are you able to disclose the name of these South African artistes or you are keeping that to yourself for now?
LT: I can’t disclose their names at the moment because I approached five artistes through email and who collaborates with me on this album depends on who confirms first but I can promise that these are top South African artistes.

EM: There is a feel of South African gospel music in your last album “Munoshamisa”. Are you inspired by any South African gospel musicians in your music?
LT: Yes, I’m inspired by South African gospel musicians especially Lundi Tyamara.

EM: What role do you think local music producers, distributors and the media played in shaping your music career?
LT: Local music producers have done so much in my career. For me to start my first album, it was because of Mac Dee Chidavaenzi who did my first track titled “Ndipeimeso” for free. That track got me a recording at Diamond Studios.
The media also played a huge role in shaping my career because they inform the public about my music, and I’m so grateful for that.

EM: Apart from singing about spiritual issues, which societal issues do you touch on in your music?
LT: So far I was only on spiritual issues and my life testimony but on my coming album I will do a track on child abuse and addressing issues to do with irresponsible parenting since I am also a product of an irresponsible parent.

EM: Can you shed more light on the last statement on you being a product of an irresponsible parent?
LT: To cut it short, I don’t know my father and my mother died without telling me about him. To be where I am, it is because of the grace of God. He sent strangers to be my parents until now. That was after I was rejected by those I knew.
Life was difficult but I know God is preparing me                                          for something and to depend on him rather than people.

EM: How much has God been there for you during difficult upbringing?
LT: God has been and still is everything to me. When he said in his word he is a God of orphans he meant exactly that. He taught me to rely on prayer, and in my every situation, he gave me a comforting song. That’s how I write my songs.
God also gave me Sekuru and Gogo Makuwaza who took me as their own child till now, and they promised to always be there for me.

l Feedback: [email protected]